Indiana State University Newsroom

Join the New Horizons Band â€” no experience necessary

Adults with little or no musical experience are invited to join the New Horizons Bandâ€¨at the Indiana State University's Community School of the Arts.

People ages 25 years and older have the chance to fill their lives with music, new friends, fun and accomplishment. Learn to play music in a band, even if you have no musical experience!

As a member of the Community School of the Arts New Horizons Band, you will meet new friends and work as a team to learn music for concerts and other performances in the community. New Horizons ensembles typically perform many times each year in venues ranging from formal concerts to parks and other community locations.

The first New Horizons Band was Eastman School of Music in 1991. The word spread through articles in publications such as the New York Times and a feature on the Today Show, and eventually the program expanded to include bands, orchestras and other ensembles. Today, there are more than 100 New Horizons Music programs in the United States and Canada.

Adults have advantages to learning music. If you played an instrument in school years ago, you will be amazed at how much you remember and how quickly you will be able to play again. Even if you've never played music, you are already familiar with the sound of a lot of the music that will be included in your early instruction.

Most adults are more motivated, self-disciplined and have more time to practice than their younger counterparts. If you attend lessons and practice, you'll be playing music before you know it! From then on, it's even more fun to play with others in classes, chamber music groups, bands and orchestras.

In one session, nearly everyone who participated in New Horizons Music said their accomplishments met or exceeded their expectations.

Getting Started

The first step in getting started is to attend the informational meeting,â€¨where all of your questions will be answered by Norman Hanson, New Horizons director. Also, haveâ€¨a chance to meet some of the other people who will be participating. If you are unable to attend that meeting, contact the Community School of the Arts at 812-237-2575 with whatever questions you have and plan to be at the first class.

If you already have an instrument, be sure to take it into a repair shop to make sure that it is in excellent working condition. Some music students become frustrated because they try to learn on an instrument that no one can play.

If you don't have an instrument, there are several options for acquiring one. The CSA, through local and regional music stores, offers an easy and affordable rent-to-own program. There is no long-term obligation, so you can rent your instrument until you own it -- or until you return it. While renting an instrument, all repairs and maintenance are included at no additional cost.

Once you're certain of the instrument you'd like to play, purchase it through the CSA or at one of your local music stores. It is recommended that you learn the basics on a particular instrument before making a purchase.

The New Horizons Program runs year-round. Spring classes run Jan. 26-April 27 on Mondays. Group A, for beginning participants, meets 5:30-7 p.m. Group B, for intermediate students, meets 7-8:30 p.m. The cost for CSA nonmembers is $165 per semester; CSA members pay $148.50 per semester. Program continues in the fall.